圆斑星鲽仔稚鱼色素细胞发育和体色变化

为研究圆斑星鲽早期发育过程中色素细胞的形态和分布,实验对1~72日龄的圆斑星鲽鱼苗进行了连续的显微观察,并绘制了早期发育生长曲线。结果显示,圆斑星鲽从20日龄开始进入快速的增长期,在水温12~19.5°C时完成变态发育需要50 d,黑色素细胞最早出现,数量最多,黄色素细胞次之,虹彩细胞最后发育,数量最少。变态前黑色素细胞密度先升高后降低,在9日龄密度最大为1390个/mm~2,色素细胞逐渐密集鱼体两侧对称分布;变态开始后鱼体两侧色素不对称,有眼侧体表黑色素细胞逐渐溶解消退,由成体黑色素细胞代替,体色变深,黑色素细胞密度稳定在150个/mm~2;无眼侧黑色素细胞逐渐消溶退化,体色逐渐变白。白化个体在变态开始后出现,有眼侧不能形成成体黑色素细胞,形成白化。     

半滑舌鳎早期发育过程中体表色素变化的研究

对半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossussemilaevis Günther)早期发育过程中体表色素的分布及形态变化进行了连续观察,测量其生物学特征,同时拍摄不同发育时期体表黑色素的形态变化。在水温22～23℃,盐度31～33的条件下,半滑舌鳎完成早期变态发育约需要30d,1～15日龄主要是器官发育,16日龄进入变态期,30日龄左右变态完成。半滑舌鳎在原肠期开始出现幼体色素,以后逐渐密集,色素颗粒变大,幼体色素逐渐变成以树枝状和菊花状为主;仔鱼期体表的幼体色素对称分布,在躯干部形成相互间隔的5个色素带;在变态前期幼体色素发生至最发达时期。进入变态期后,幼体色素逐渐减少,同时有眼侧出现颗粒较小的成体色素,形状为点状为主,在身体有眼侧均匀分布。无眼侧色素完全消失,成为无色。个别个体有眼侧的成体色素形成受阻,幼体色素消失后,形成白化。     

漠斑牙鲆胚胎及仔稚鱼发育的形态学观察

对漠斑牙鲆(Paralichthys lethostigma)胚胎及胚后发育进行观察,描述各发育时期的发育时序和形态特征.在水温18.5±0.5℃,盐度32～33的条件下,受精卵历时49 h脱膜而出,孵化后仔鱼在水温20.5±0.5℃时,4日龄开口摄食,26日龄进入变态期,45日龄左右完成变态成为幼鱼.漠斑牙鲆的卵子为浮性卵,油球一个.刚孵化仔鱼的消化道细直,3日龄肛门开通,4日龄卵黄囊消耗殆尽,开口摄食.在原肠期胚体下包约1/2时,在视囊和胚盘上出现点状星状的黑色素细胞.孵化后体两侧菊花状黑色素均匀分布;进入变态期后,体两侧的幼体色素逐渐收缩消失,同时在有眼侧出现个体较小的圆形成体色素细胞.在早期发育过程中,伴随着冠状鳍条的发生、伸长和缩短吸收.无鳔器官的发生.     

黑棘鲷早期色素细胞发育与体色变化

对黑棘鲷早期发育过程中体色和色素细胞的分布及形态变化进行了连续观察。结果表明,黑棘鲷幼体黑色素在原口关闭前期开始出现,黄色素在嗅囊期出现,彩虹色素出现较晚,孵化后6d(Day post hatching,dph)在眼球上端出现,而后密集于腹腔(28 dph)以及鳃盖骨附近(32 dph)。黑色素细胞在发育过程中,不仅数量增多,而且形状也由点状逐渐变成以树枝状和雪花状为主,为幼体黑色素的发育过程;28 dph幼体黑色素完全被成体黑色素替代,形态上再次变为小点状。黄色素几乎伴随着黑色素的分布,色素细胞几乎无形态变化,最终被黑色素覆盖而不明显。初孵仔鱼,尾端6～8体节躯干部具有黑色素丛,构成了该鱼的种属特征。在28 dph,体色发育进入到模式形成期,首先在躯干部形成相互间隔的3个色素带,至40 dph共7条色素带形成,完成体色的模式发育。     

大菱鲆(Scophthalmus maximus)鱼苗视网膜组织结构与视觉特性

采用石蜡连续切片技术研究了初孵至50日龄大菱鲆(Scophthalmus maximus)鱼苗的视网膜结构及视觉特性。测定了鱼苗发育过程中视网膜横切面上视锥细胞(CC)、外核层细胞核(ONN)和神经节细胞(GC)的数量变化,以及鱼苗经明暗适应后视网膜色素指数的变化。结果显示,2日龄仔鱼视网膜上出现色素层和视锥细胞层,为仔鱼开口摄食提供了视觉基础。5日龄仔鱼的视网膜没有运动反应。鱼苗从16日龄发育到30日龄,明暗适应后视网膜色素指数的差值显著升高(P0.01),表明视网膜出现了显著的运动反应。16–39日龄,鱼苗视网膜上CC、GC数量显著减少(P0.01),ONN数量显著增多(P0.01),39–50日龄,视网膜上CC、GC和ONN数量没有出现显著差异(P0.05)。大菱鲆鱼苗变态前视网膜视敏度高,光敏性低,变态后视敏度降低,光敏性增强,视网膜逐步适应感受弱光的刺激,这与大菱鲆鱼苗变态后从浮游到底栖的生活习性相适应。变态后的大菱鲆光感受系统不发达。     

大菱鲆(Scophthalmus maximus)鱼苗视网膜组织结构与视觉特性

采用石蜡连续切片技术研究了初孵至50日龄大菱鲆(Scophthalmus maximus)鱼苗的视网膜结构及视觉特性.测定了鱼苗发育过程中视网膜横切面上视锥细胞(CC)、外核层细胞核(ONN)和神经节细胞(GC)的数量变化,以及鱼苗经明暗适应后视网膜色素指数的变化.结果显示,2日龄仔鱼视网膜上出现色素层和视锥细胞层,为仔鱼开口摄食提供了视觉基础.5日龄仔鱼的视网膜没有运动反应.鱼苗从16日龄发育到30日龄,明暗适应后视网膜色素指数的差值显著升高(P＜0.01),表明视网膜出现了显著的运动反应.16-39日龄,鱼苗视网膜上CC、GC数量显著减少(P＜0.01),ONN数量显著增多(P＜0.01),39-50日龄,视网膜上CC、GC和ONN数量没有出现显著差异(P＞0.05).大菱鲆鱼苗变态前视网膜视敏度高,光敏性低,变态后视敏度降低,光敏性增强,视网膜逐步适应感受弱光的刺激,这与大菱鲆鱼苗变态后从浮游到底栖的生活习性相适应.变态后的大菱鲆光感受系统不发达.     

半滑舌鳎早期发育阶段鳔和冠状幼鳍的生长发育规律研究

试验从形态学角度揭示半滑舌鳎鳔和冠状幼鳍的生长变化与苗种早期培育阶段生长发育的关系。早期生长发育过程中3日龄仔鱼出现鳔泡,5日龄仔鱼鳔开始充气,79日龄左右鳔消失,鳔是否正常充气与早期苗种培育的成活率密切相关。2日龄仔鱼冠状幼鳍原基出现,4日龄仔鱼冠状幼鳍出现鳍条,18日龄冠状幼鳍长度达到最大,此时,鱼苗进入变态期,此后,随着冠状幼鳍的退化和消失,鱼苗逐渐完成变态,伏底生活,冠状幼鳍最迟在29日龄完全退化消失,成为背鳍的一部分。另外,本试验过程中还记录了眼间距、体宽和全长的变化。     

真蛸早期发育形态特征及生长规律研究

为了探究真蛸(Octopus vulgaris)早期幼体生长发育特征，在室内水泥池育苗条件下，研究了孵化后1~100日龄真蛸的形态变化特征，并对1~49日龄真蛸的全长、腕长、胴长、胴宽、体重及最长腕的吸盘个数进行了测量。结果显示，在盐度为30~32，水温为18.6℃~26.0℃条件下，初孵仔蛸平均全长为(3.05±0.11) mm，大部分初孵仔蛸外卵黄囊在出膜前已吸收完毕，1日龄仔蛸已开口摄食，17日龄稚蛸开始摄食糠虾，35日龄稚蛸开始营底栖生活，60日龄体色由透明发育为乳白色，80日龄体色已与成体相同，100日龄除性腺外，各器官发育成熟，形态特征与成体基本一致。研究表明，真蛸早期(1~49日龄)发育过程中，体重与全长呈立方函数关系，为y=5×10–5x3– 0.0009x2+0.0072x–0.0132；全长与腕长呈立方函数关系，为y=–0.0012x3+0.0492x2+0.0243x+0.2179；全长、体重、腕长、胴长、胴宽分别与日龄呈立方函数关系，为y=–0.0001x3+0.0105x2–0.0122x+3.0562、y=–2×10–7x3+4×10–5x2–0.0004x+0.0034、y=–0.0004x3+0.0247x2–0.1037x+0.8214、y=–0.0004x3+0.0124x2 +0.0749x+1.4757、y=–3×10–5x3+0.0025x2+0.0354x+1.4026。依据营养类型、形态和生物学特征等参数，将真蛸早期发育分为仔蛸期、稚蛸浮游期、稚蛸底栖期和幼蛸期4个时期。     

眼斑猛虾蛄幼体的发育

通过对眼斑猛虾蛄（Harpiosquilla annandalei）幼体各发育期的连续取样，在显微镜或解剖镜下系统地观察各发育期的形态变化及生长特征并描图。眼斑猛虾蛄假蚤状幼体经11次蜕皮，在水温24～27℃，盐度25．4～29．0的条件下，历时49d，发育变态成仔虾蛄；第Ⅰ期假蚤状幼体（Z1）体长1．75～1．83mm，头部有一长额角，头胸甲形状似龟壳，有1对腹侧齿，四角有刺，后部中间有一较长棘刺；第Ⅵ期头胸甲形状渐变成梯形，腹侧齿5对，第一触角中鞭萌芽，第二触角内肢发育呈短芽状，第Ⅷ期头胸甲左右两侧边缘开始渐向下弯卷；第Ⅺ期（Z11）体长15．10～17．20mm，第二触角内肢发育成鞭状且分为14～16节，尾肢外肢2节，内肢1节；Ⅰ期仔虾蛄体长14．50～16．10mm，长额角消失，头胸头形状仍为梯形，但光滑无腹侧齿，前侧角圆形，后侧角有二个缺角，这是该种的特征，后部中间棘刺消失，头胸甲占体长的比例明显缩小，形似成体虾蛄。眼斑猛虾蛄的幼体与黑斑口虾蛄的幼体的形态存在一定差异，主要表现在头胸甲与体长的比例，头胸甲的长宽比及第二触鳞片刚毛数和尾节的侧小齿、中间小齿和亚中间小齿的齿数。     

河蟹育苗中幼体黑化现象及原因探讨

河蟹各期幼体都具有特定的颜色，幼体各种体色变化通常是由水环境因子变化、营养变化、病原体侵袭引起的。在育苗过程中，幼体不同部位、不同程度的黑化现象极为普遍，为了便于诊断对症下药，现把多年来育苗过程中的幼体黑化现象总结分析如下。一、蜕皮变态前黑化这是一种正常的体色变化。河蟹状幼体及大眼幼体在临蜕皮变态前，体色加深，其头胸部及腹部变成黑褐色，并膨胀。这种生理活动受眼柄内的X－器官窦腺所分泌的激素调节，从而使真皮层和结缔组织中的色素细胞产生伸缩变化。二、由病原体入侵机体引起的黑化此种情况黑化程度一般不明…     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

An overview of stress physiology of fish transport: changes in water quality as a function of transport duration

This study brings an integrated analysis about the relationship between water deterioration and its physiological consequences in live fish transport. The analysis was focused on the transport water and its deterioration, and physiological challenges imposed on the fish. Usual commercial handling procedures employed to mitigate fish stress during transport were discussed. Future topics of research for the establishment of safer fish transport protocols were proposed. Transport was classified into short (≤8 h) or long transport (>8 h). The main issue in short transports should be the prevention of water pH reduction, while in long transports it is the increase in ammonia. Plasma cortisol is the most employed marker for stress and is acutely elevated upon short episodes of transport, but remains elevated even in long‐transport events. Plasma glucose is perhaps a better marker for handling stress. Plasma lactate, pH, osmolality CO₂ and ions should be more often evaluated. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^‐ are very useful markers of acidosis, due to their respective exchange for H⁺ and , for acid–base regulation. The establishment of species‐specific transport protocols should be preceded by such combined analyses of water and physiological parameters.     

Are hatchery‐reared abalone naïve of predators? Comparing the behaviours of wild and hatchery‐reared northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana (Jonas, 1845)

Abalone populations have declined worldwide, generating interest in enhancement using hatchery‐reared individuals. In many cases, such restoration efforts have met with limited success due to high predator‐induced mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rates of outplanted hatchery abalone are often considerably higher than for wild individuals. This study uses northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) as a case study to determine whether hatchery‐reared abalone behave differently than their wild counterparts. In the field, outplanted hatchery‐reared abalone were significantly less responsive than wild abalone, in terms of number of abalone responding and intensity of response, to nearby movement and to physical contact with an inert probe. Also, when encountering a cue to which all abalone responded (a seastar predator), hatchery‐reared individuals remained subdued. Anti‐predator behavioural deficits in hatchery‐reared abalone were more pronounced in 4‐year‐old individuals than in 1‐year‐old individuals, suggesting an influence of either age or amount of time spent in the hatchery environment. These behavioural differences are expected to increase the vulnerability of hatchery‐reared abalone to predators, and are likely a major cause of their elevated predator‐induced mortality when outplanted.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.     

Migratory dynamics of stream-spawning longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Abstract– Literature evidence suggests that lake-dwelling longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) enter tributary streams to spawn, Until the present study, the dynamics of this breeding migration had never been investigated quantitatively. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, longnose gar were captured as they entered Weaubleau Creek, Missouri, a tributary of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. The in-stream spawning migration began in early April and ended in late May, and was positively correlated with stream flow and water level, and negatively correlated with water temperature. In-stream residence times ranged from 15 to 94 days, with males exhibiting longer residence times than females. Once in-stream, longnose gar travelled as far as 10 km upstream and occupied certain pools at greater relative frequencies. Although the reason for this preferential utilization is not completely understood, it may relate to pool depth and riffle proximity. Longnose gar disperse from the spawning stream great distances, with gar captured in Weaubleau Creek being recaptured up to 48 km away. This information should provide fisheries biologists the means to consider the reproductive ecology of this species in their conservation and management decisions.     

Nutritional regulation of hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C]18:3n-3 was investigated in hepatocytes of the tropical warm freshwater species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pathway was assayed before and after the fish were fed two experimental diets, a control diet containing fish oil (FO) and a diet containing vegetable oil (VO; a blend of olive, linseed and high oleic acid sunflower oils) for 10 weeks. The VO diet was formulated to provide 1% each of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, and so satisfy the possible EFA requirements of zebrafish and tilapia. At the end of the dietary trial, the lipid and fatty acid composition was determined in whole zebrafish, and liver, white muscle and brain of tilapia. Both zebrafish and tilapia expressed a hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pattern consistent with them being freshwater and planktonivorous fish. The data also showed that hepatic fatty acid desaturation/elongation was nutritionally regulated with the activities being higher in fish fed the VO diet compared to fish fed the FO diet. In zebrafish, the main effect of the VO diet was increased fatty acid Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in the production of significantly more 18:4n-3 compared to fish fed the FO diet. In tilapia, all activities in the pathway were greater in fish fed the VO diet resulting in increased amounts of all fatty acids in the pathway, but primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). However, the fatty acid compositional data indicated that despite increased activity, desaturation of 18:3n-3 was insufficient to maintain tissue proportions of EPA and DHA in fish fed the VO diet at the same level as in fish fed the FO diet. Practically, these results indicate that manipulation of tilapia diets in commercial culture in response to the declining global fish oil market would have important consequences for fish fatty acid composition and the health of consumers. Scientifically, zebrafish and tilapia, both the subject of active genome mapping projects, could be useful models for studies of lipid and fatty acid metabolism at a molecular biological and genetic level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.